Latest news with #DocEdgeFestival
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Mother of Chooks: Jesse Leaman on his tender chicken documentary
Mother of Chooks is a joyful short documentary which follows Australian woman Elaine James who has become a minor celebrity - all because she keeps pet chickens. It was after losing her sister, that Elaine found companionship in a rescue chicken named Flapper - who she takes with her to cafes, parks, and has even toilet trained. Elaine has become a local legend - known as the Mother of Chooks. The short documentary film Mother of Chooks is showing at the nationwide Doc Edge Festival starting later this month. Susie speaks to co-director Jesse Leaman about this heartwarming story and what it was like to work alongside his mum who was also involved in the project. Photo: Mother of Chooks
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Doc Edge Festival Announces Finalists For 2025 Oscar-Qualifying Awards
Press Release – Doc Edge Festival Doc Edge, New Zealand's premier international documentary festival and an Oscar®-qualifying event, is proud to announce the finalists for the Doc Edge Awards 2025. The Awards will be held on Thursday, 3 July, at the Grand Millennium Auckland and will be co-hosted by respected broadcaster Neil Waka and beloved cultural icon Geeling Ching. The festival kicks off on 25 June – 3 July in Auckland before also heading to Wellington and Christchurch (16 – 27 July) and online in The Virtual Cinema (28 July – 24 August). The 2025 jury includes a diverse panel of esteemed local and international industry professionals: Alex Behse (Auckland, NZ), David Tingey (Wellington, NZ), Doug Dillaman (Auckland, NZ), Emile Guertin (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Kate Cresswell (Auckland, NZ), Kathy Susca (California, USA), Kenneth Tan (Singapore), Mark Cochrane (Auckland, NZ), Meg Smaker (California, USA), and Sam Witters (Christchurch, NZ). New Zealand Feature Film Finalists (including director, editing, sound, cinematography): Devils on Horses Mana Moana Mana Tangata Mighty Indeed No Tears on the Field Shayni in the Sky Three Days in February Wildboy New Zealand Short Film Finalists: Winners of the Best New Zealand Short and Best New Zealand Feature categories will receive cash prizes sponsored by NZ On Air and be eligible for Oscar® consideration in 2026. International Feature Film Finalists (including director, editing, sound, cinematography): A Quiet Love (Ireland) Before the Moon Falls (USA) Blame (Switzerland) Carrousel (France) Click the Link Below (Norway) The Dancer (USA) The Dating Game (USA) Fatal Watch (USA) Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea (Philippines) In Waves and War (USA) Os Barcos (France) The Pool (Australia) The Promise (Netherlands) Yurlu | Country (Australia) International Short Film Finalists: The winners of Best International Short and Best International Feature will receive cash awards sponsored by Park Road Post and Oscar® consideration in 2026. Last year's recipient of Best International Feature Sugarcane was subsequently nominated for Best Documentary at the 2025 Oscar Awards. Doc Edge and The Raye Freedman Trust are also proud to launch a new award, The Raye Freedman Legacy Award, in memory of Mrs Raye Freedman, a passionate supporter of education, music, and the arts. This $5,000 award will be presented to a female documentary filmmaker at the Doc Edge Awards. Festival Director Dan Shanan said: 'Doc Edge shares Mrs Raye Freedman's passion for the arts, culture, and education, which also forms the foundation of why Doc Edge was created. It is a privilege to support female storytellers in honour of Mrs Raye Freedman.' Ruby Chen, the previously announced recipient of the Doc Edge Superhero Award, will be celebrated and formally presented with her award on the night. In addition to these honours, awards will also be presented for NZ Emerging Filmmaker, the NZ Student Competition, Immersive Exhibition projects, standout industry pitches at the Doc Edge Industry, and more. For more information about the festival and full programme, visit 2025 KEY FESTIVAL DATES & VENUES Industry: 30 June – 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland Auckland: 25 June – 13 July, Bridgeway Cinema, The Capitol Cinema, SkyCity Theatre and Silo 6 Wellington: 16 – 27 July, The Roxy Cinema Christchurch: 16 – 27 July, Lumiere Cinemas, Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga Central Library, and the University of Canterbury Awards: 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Doc Edge Unveils Full Programme For Landmark 20th Anniversary Festival
Press Release – Doc Edge Festival The countdown has begun! The 20th Anniversary Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival has officially launched its 2025 programme, now live and on sale at This milestone edition features an unmissable and genre-defying line-up of 49 feature films, 29 short films, and 12 immersive projects that expose, educate, and entertain. Spanning urgent global issues to powerful local voices, the festival runs from 25 June to 24 August, bringing thought-provoking, inspiring stories to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide via the Virtual Cinema. This year's festival boasts 32 world premieres and 20 international premieres, tackling themes of community, resilience, and the universal power of human connection. These films are bold, raw, and resonant—reflecting the festival's 20-year legacy of fearless storytelling. Joining the already announced premiere films are these standout titles: MANA MOANA MANA TANGATA Dirs. Toby Mills, Julian Arahanga | New Zealand | 90 mins | 2025 | World Premiere In this compelling film, the battle to save Māori fishing rights unfolds as a powerful tale of resilience and determination. NO TEARS ON THE FIELD Dir. Lisa Burd | New Zealand | 2025 | 90 min | World Premiere Set in Taranaki, the film follows four young women chasing big rugby dreams, capturing the grit, heart, and camaraderie of grassroots women's sport. THREE DAYS IN FEBRUARY Dir. Serena Stevenson | New Zealand | 74 min | 2025 | World Premiere Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Splore festival, this is a cinematic celebration of human connection through an intimate and often playful lens. A QUIET LOVE Dir. Garry Keane | Ireland | 2025 | 95 min | World Premiere Three Deaf couples share the stories of how they met and fell in love. Together, these cinematic love letters weave a rich tapestry of Deaf experience over a period of 70 years. FATAL WATCH Dirs. Mark Benjamin, Katie Carpenter | USA | 2025 | 88 min | International Premiere The film set on the high seas exposes the largely unseen world of fisheries observers, whose warnings about illegal fishing practices have resulted in fatal consequences for those sounding the alarm. IN WAVES AND WAR Dirs. Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen | USA | 2024 | 108 min | International Premiere Three Navy SEALs find themselves at the cutting-edge of a different frontline: a lifesaving psychedelic therapy that brings healing to a community in urgent need. THE POOL Dir. Ian Darling | Australia | 2024 | 95 min | International Premiere A spectacular cinematic portrait of the iconic Bondi Icebergs – the pool and the people who cherish it. THE LAST DIVE Dir. Cody Sheehy | USA | 2025 | 88 min | International Premiere A man with a troubled past finds an unlikely friendship with a manta ray, forming a quiet, redemptive bond in the depths of the ocean. NEVER GET BUSTED! Dirs. David Anthony Ngo, Stephen McCallum | USA, Australia, Philippines | 2025 | 105 min | International Premiere He was a highly decorated Texas narcotics officer until he turned on the police force by busting crooked cops and teaching drug users how to hide their stash. THE PROMISE Dir. Daan Veldhuizen | Netherlands | 2025 | 115 min | International Premiere A forgotten promise by the Netherlands for the independence of the Indigenous people of West Papua, has turned into the world's most neglected genocide. VIVIEN'S WILD RIDE Dir. Vivien Hillgrove | USA | 2025 | 87 min | International Premiere After a lifelong career in cinema, editor Vivien Hillgrove starts losing her sight, forcing her to reexamine past traumas and relationships, and to reinvent herself and her art. NUMAKAGE PUBLIC POOL Dir. Shingo Ota | Japan | 2025 | 84 min | International Premiere After more than 50 years, a community grieves the loss of its beloved swimming pool as it faces demolition to make way for urban development. Join Doc Edge in celebrating two decades of life unscripted. Book your tickets now and discover the power of documentary to inspire, challenge, and change the world. Full programme and tickets available at 2025 KEY FESTIVAL DATES & VENUES Industry: 30 June – 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland Auckland: 25 June – 13 July, Bridgeway Cinema, The Capitol Cinema, SkyCity Theatre and Silo 6 Wellington: 16 – 27 July, The Roxy Cinema Christchurch: 16 – 27 July, Lumiere Cinemas, Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga Central Library, and the University of Canterbury Awards: 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland Nationwide: 28 July – 24 August, The Virtual Cinema
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Doc Edge Unveils Full Programme For Landmark 20th Anniversary Festival
Press Release – Doc Edge Festival This years festival boasts 32 world premieres and 20 international premieres, tackling themes of community, resilience, and the universal power of human connection. These films are bold, raw, and resonantreflecting the festivals 20-year legacy … The countdown has begun! The 20th Anniversary Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival has officially launched its 2025 programme, now live and on sale at This milestone edition features an unmissable and genre-defying line-up of 49 feature films, 29 short films, and 12 immersive projects that expose, educate, and entertain. Spanning urgent global issues to powerful local voices, the festival runs from 25 June to 24 August, bringing thought-provoking, inspiring stories to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide via the Virtual Cinema. This year's festival boasts 32 world premieres and 20 international premieres, tackling themes of community, resilience, and the universal power of human connection. These films are bold, raw, and resonant—reflecting the festival's 20-year legacy of fearless storytelling. Joining the already announced premiere films are these standout titles: MANA MOANA MANA TANGATA Dirs. Toby Mills, Julian Arahanga | New Zealand | 90 mins | 2025 | World Premiere In this compelling film, the battle to save Māori fishing rights unfolds as a powerful tale of resilience and determination. NO TEARS ON THE FIELD Dir. Lisa Burd | New Zealand | 2025 | 90 min | World Premiere Set in Taranaki, the film follows four young women chasing big rugby dreams, capturing the grit, heart, and camaraderie of grassroots women's sport. THREE DAYS IN FEBRUARY Dir. Serena Stevenson | New Zealand | 74 min | 2025 | World Premiere Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Splore festival, this is a cinematic celebration of human connection through an intimate and often playful lens. A QUIET LOVE Dir. Garry Keane | Ireland | 2025 | 95 min | World Premiere Three Deaf couples share the stories of how they met and fell in love. Together, these cinematic love letters weave a rich tapestry of Deaf experience over a period of 70 years. FATAL WATCH Dirs. Mark Benjamin, Katie Carpenter | USA | 2025 | 88 min | International Premiere The film set on the high seas exposes the largely unseen world of fisheries observers, whose warnings about illegal fishing practices have resulted in fatal consequences for those sounding the alarm. IN WAVES AND WAR Dirs. Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen | USA | 2024 | 108 min | International Premiere Three Navy SEALs find themselves at the cutting-edge of a different frontline: a lifesaving psychedelic therapy that brings healing to a community in urgent need. THE POOL Dir. Ian Darling | Australia | 2024 | 95 min | International Premiere A spectacular cinematic portrait of the iconic Bondi Icebergs – the pool and the people who cherish it. THE LAST DIVE Dir. Cody Sheehy | USA | 2025 | 88 min | International Premiere A man with a troubled past finds an unlikely friendship with a manta ray, forming a quiet, redemptive bond in the depths of the ocean. NEVER GET BUSTED! Dirs. David Anthony Ngo, Stephen McCallum | USA, Australia, Philippines | 2025 | 105 min | International Premiere He was a highly decorated Texas narcotics officer until he turned on the police force by busting crooked cops and teaching drug users how to hide their stash. THE PROMISE Dir. Daan Veldhuizen | Netherlands | 2025 | 115 min | International Premiere A forgotten promise by the Netherlands for the independence of the Indigenous people of West Papua, has turned into the world's most neglected genocide. VIVIEN'S WILD RIDE Dir. Vivien Hillgrove | USA | 2025 | 87 min | International Premiere After a lifelong career in cinema, editor Vivien Hillgrove starts losing her sight, forcing her to reexamine past traumas and relationships, and to reinvent herself and her art. NUMAKAGE PUBLIC POOL Dir. Shingo Ota | Japan | 2025 | 84 min | International Premiere After more than 50 years, a community grieves the loss of its beloved swimming pool as it faces demolition to make way for urban development. Join Doc Edge in celebrating two decades of life unscripted. Book your tickets now and discover the power of documentary to inspire, challenge, and change the world. Full programme and tickets available at
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Doc Edge Unveils Full Programme For Landmark 20th Anniversary Festival
The countdown has begun! The 20th Anniversary Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival has officially launched its 2025 programme, now live and on sale at This milestone edition features an unmissable and genre-defying line-up of 49 feature films, 29 short films, and 12 immersive projects that expose, educate, and entertain. Spanning urgent global issues to powerful local voices, the festival runs from 25 June to 24 August, bringing thought-provoking, inspiring stories to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide via the Virtual Cinema. This year's festival boasts 32 world premieres and 20 international premieres, tackling themes of community, resilience, and the universal power of human connection. These films are bold, raw, and resonant—reflecting the festival's 20-year legacy of fearless storytelling. Joining the already announced premiere films are these standout titles: MANA MOANA MANA TANGATA Dirs. Toby Mills, Julian Arahanga | New Zealand | 90 mins | 2025 | World Premiere In this compelling film, the battle to save Māori fishing rights unfolds as a powerful tale of resilience and determination. NO TEARS ON THE FIELD Dir. Lisa Burd | New Zealand | 2025 | 90 min | World Premiere Set in Taranaki, the film follows four young women chasing big rugby dreams, capturing the grit, heart, and camaraderie of grassroots women's sport. THREE DAYS IN FEBRUARY Dir. Serena Stevenson | New Zealand | 74 min | 2025 | World Premiere Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Splore festival, this is a cinematic celebration of human connection through an intimate and often playful lens. A QUIET LOVE Dir. Garry Keane | Ireland | 2025 | 95 min | World Premiere Three Deaf couples share the stories of how they met and fell in love. Together, these cinematic love letters weave a rich tapestry of Deaf experience over a period of 70 years.
